The History of Speech Language Pathology

By RedShark Digital

Speech pathology began to get recognition in the 1920s when the American Academy of Speech Correction was formed in 1926. It began to develop over the next twenty years as speech therapy approaches became more widespread. At this time WWII was going on, and soldiers were returning home with brain injuries. This was becoming a concern, so it was speech pathology researchers who worked with them through therapy.

What Do They Study?

A speech pathologist is an expert in communication. They study speech, language, voice, fluency and swallowing in people of all ages. It wasn’t until the late 1960’s that a distinction between speech disorders and language disorders was recognized. A speech disorder is identified as when someone has a hard time producing speech sounds and stuttering occurs. A language disorder is when someone has trouble understanding others and can’t share their own thoughts and feelings.

It takes a lot of schooling and research to officially become a trained speech pathologist. All must have their master’s degree at a minimum, but many go on to achieve their doctorate. In many states, after schooling, they must also pass a national exam to achieve their state license. Many choose to go on to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

How Do They Help?

It is the speech-language pathologist’s job to help people with these disorders learn how to communicate. After assessing a patient, they must come up with a plan of therapy options and exercises to help that patient learn. Through their learning journey, the pathologist must document all care and write up a report of evaluation. They keep track of all progress and must adjust their treatment plans accordingly. They conduct speech and language tests to show the patient’s improvement. As well as educate the patient’s family members on what treatments they are receiving, and how to work with their family member at home and cope with this disability.

At SpeechEasy all of our providers are state licensed, ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologists who are ready to help you through this process. All pathologists with SpeechEasy Provider status have completed specialized training which allows them to utilize SpeechEasy with their clients who stutter. With many devices in stock, our stores can provide you with same day service. Call today or visit us online to schedule an appointment with your nearest SpeechEasy provider!